ADM opens new dedicated plant-based innovation lab in Singapore

ADM has opened a new plant-based innovation lab within its Biopolis research hub in Singapore, as it looks to advance protein innovation.

ADM says the lab will develop ‘next-level, on-trend and nutritious’ plant-based products, tailor-made for the Asian consumer palate.

The company first inaugurated the Biopolis research hub in Singapore in 2018, which houses a number of labs – including a food and flavour analytics hub, a beverage and dairy applications lab, a bakery and confectionery lab, a meat and savoury lab, and a customer innovation centre.

The new facility will feature a combination of experts in proteins and texturing ingredients, alongside flavour specialists – who will test flavours, textures, fats and binding characteristics in-house and accelerate product development for customers.

ADM says the lab can also provide medium-scale sampling through forming and freezing capabilities to support market evaluation of new solutions.

“ADM is a pioneer in plant-based nutrition innovation, and this new facility will enhance our ability to meet rapidly growing consumer demand in the Asia-Pacific region and bring exciting new products and solutions to the market,” said Leo Liu, ADM president, Asia-Pacific.

“Protein continues to be a focus for consumers who are experimenting with plant-based options to meet their health and nutrition, sustainability and convenience preferences, and with Asia being home to 60% of the world’s population, Singapore is a critical hub of innovation and growth around plant-based alternatives.”

Marie Wright, chief global flavourist and president for creation, design and development at ADM, said: “The lab will help us capture key insight and learnings to help drive exciting new solutions for the Asian market, but also help us better serve customers around the world looking to incorporate Asian flavours and preferences into their latest plant-based food and beverage innovations.”